Virtual and Distance Social Emotional Learning

During Coronavirus/COVID-19 Outbreak

Educators and Family Guide
WHY TEACH SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL SKILLS?
Social-emotional skills are needed for children and adults to identify and manage one’s thoughts,
emotions, and behaviors to maintain healthy lifestyles. Developing positive social-emotional skills
increases a person’s ability to build healthy relationships, achieve goals, express empathy, make
responsible decisions, and practice positive self-care.

It’s important as educators and families that we address the needs of the whole child. Awareness and
discussion of social-emotional skills help fulfill the need to improve the overall mental and behavioral
health of children, families, and communities during this pandemic.

WHAT IS SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and
effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions,
set positive goals, show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make
responsible decisions. The Collaborative of Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

FIVE CORE COMPETENCES OF SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

The ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and
their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one’s
SELF-AWARENESS
strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of
confidence and optimism.
The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
effectively in different situations. This includes managing stress,
SELF-MANAGEMENT
controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and setting and working
toward achieving personal and academic goals.
The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from
diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical
SOCIAL AWARENESS
norms for behavior, and to recognize family, school, and community
resources and supports.
The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding
relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes
RELATIONSHIP SKILLS communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting
inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and
seeking/offering help when needed.
The ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal
RESPONSIBLE behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical
DECISION MAKING standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of
consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others.
as defined by CASEL

HOW TO PROVIDE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Make social-emotional learning part of your child’s everyday interactions. SEL can be taught in a
natural format in time increments from 5 to 15 minutes, and can take place during play time,
designated educational time, and daily conversations with children.

OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT, OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 3.23.2020 1

 Virtual and Distance Social Emotional Learning
Educators and Family Guide
RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING SOCIA-EMOTIONAL SKILLS

ADMINISTRATORS AND COUNSELORS

Responding to COVID-19: Brief Action Steps for School Crisis Response Team,
National Association of School Psychologist (2020)
Action steps for school communication, public and mental health response, and continuity of
operations

Preparing for a Pandemic Illness: Guidelines for School Administrators and Crisis Response
Teams,
National Association of School Psychologist (2020)
Using Emergency Operation Plan (EOP)/Crisis Response Plan for mitigation, response, and
recovery during infectious disease outbreak

Preparing for Infectious Disease Epidemics: Brief Tips for School Mental Health
National Association of School Psychologist (2020)
Helping school staff and students cope with stress and anxiety generated by this crisis event.

Mental Health Considerations During COVID-19 Virus

World Health Organization (2020)
Supporting different groups mental and psychosocial well being

Making the Most of “Going Virtual”

Education First (2020)
Managing Teams Online

TEACHERS AND PARENTS

Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (2014)
Know the signs of stress and how to relieve it

Social Emotional Learning 3 Signature Practices Playbook,

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, CASEL. (2019).
Practical ways to introduce and broaden the use of SEL practices

Pure Edge, Free Social Emotional Learning for K-12

Birth-4th grade, Ready 4K
Online social and emotional curriculum for use by educators and learners

SEL Resources for Parents, Educators, and School Communities Related to COVID-19,
Inside Social Emotional Learning (2020)
Online SEL list and strategies for educators and teachers

OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT, OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 3.23.2020 2